How to stay safe this Halloween

Let’s be honest there is something very spooky about Halloween; unlike any other night of the year it appears our parenting rules simply go out the window. Generally our rules are clear and simple: no wandering around the neighbourhood at night and certainly not unsupervised, no hanging around other people’s houses and most definitely no taking any sweets from strangers. However, at this time of year kids across the country are getting prepared to be knocking on strangers’ doors after dark and accepting sweets. Of course it’s not that sinister, however as Halloween has grown so popular in recent years parents and kids can forget to be heedful.
Our top tips for staying safe this Halloween are:

Younger children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult

Older children should only go out in a group

Go out as early as you can rather than when it’s pitch black

Decide on your route beforehand and check that there is enough street lighting

Cover one side of the road and then the other, so there is less crossing of the road

Agree a return time with older children

Only knock on houses with lights on

Remind children not to go in any house or get into cars

Take a torch

Ensure costumes fit to avoid falls and if wearing a mask check they can see out of it

If possible try to add a reflective strip to any costumes to ensure maximum visibility

Check that the costume is made from fire retardant material

Remind everyone to avoid candles, especially those placed on doorsteps

If using make-up give a patch test the day before to avoid skin reactions

Have a rule that no sweets are to be eaten until you return home. When home check the sweets over and throw any away if the package is open

By taking these simple precautions everyone can enjoy Halloween safely.